Bedford Borough Council has responded to concerns about planned bus service changes for the first time, following repeated requests for comment from the Bedford Independent.

The response follows growing criticism of the changes, due to come into effect from Saturday, 31 May, and which will see several routes withdrawn or altered across the borough.

Read: Bus cuts to hit Putnoe and Goldington as Stagecoach reshapes Bedford network

A council spokesperson said the reductions were “deeply disappointing”, particularly for residents who rely on public transport.

“We acknowledge the concerns raised regarding the recently announced changes to Stagecoach bus services,” they said.

“The decision to reduce services is deeply disappointing to the Council, particularly given the impact it will have on residents who rely on public transport.”

The council said it is continuing to engage with Stagecoach and other operators to understand the rationale behind the changes and explore ways to reduce their impact.

“Council officers are reviewing the Council’s options and budget position to determine how best to proceed and seek solutions,” the spokesperson added.

Limited powers

Conservative group leader Cllr Graeme Coombes said the changes were a commercial decision by the bus operator.

“It is important to be clear that these changes are commercial decisions taken by the bus operator, not the council,” he said.

“The council has very limited powers over commercial bus routes, timetables or service levels, which are set by operators based on passenger demand and viability.”

He added that he welcomed the introduction of the new 2W service, which will serve Wixams via Interchange Retail Park.

The council also added that, since deregulation, bus services in Bedford Borough have been operated by private companies on a commercial basis, including Stagecoach.

The council does not control routes, timetables or service levels, but said it can step in to support services where gaps occur, subject to viability and budget constraints.

The spokesperson added that Bedford Borough Council continues to fund some evening services despite low passenger numbers.

What is changing

The changes include the withdrawal of Services 7, 10 and 53, alongside wider route alterations across Bedford.

Some areas, including Putnoe, Goldington and parts of Kempston, are expected to see reduced coverage, longer journeys or increased walking distances to bus stops.

The table below details exactly what is changing on Stagecoach East’s Bedford bus routes from 31 May 2026.

Service	Change	Key details
1	Timetable change	Minor changes, last bus 10.30pm
2W	New service	Replaces Service 53, serving Wootton via Interchange Retail Park and Wixams
3	Route change	Will run direct, no longer serving The Hangers or Potters Way
4	Extended	Extended to Elms Farm and Norse Road, every 30 minutes, replaces Service 10, last bus 10.30pm
4 / MK1	Stand change	Will swap stands at Bedford Bus Station
5	Extended	Extended to Woodside Dover Crescent and Mark Rutherford School, no longer serves Elms Farm, last bus 10.30pm
6	Timetable change	Will serve Milton Keynes distribution centres and Luton Hatters Way Retail Park, with minor timetable changes
7	Withdrawn	Discontinued, areas now served by Service 5
8	Timetable change	Minor changes for punctuality, last bus 10.30pm
9 / 9A / 9B	Route standardised	Same route between Bedford and Shefford, each running every two hours
10	Withdrawn	Discontinued due to low passenger numbers
20	Reduced	Off-peak trips ended
28	Timetable change	Minor running time changes
53	Withdrawn	Replaced by new Service 2W
905	Timetable change	Adjusted due to roadworks, new stop at Eaton Socon, St Mary’s Church
MK1	Route change	Will serve Milton Keynes distribution centres and Luton Hatters Way Retail Park, minor timetable changes
X5	Timetable change	Minor changes to some trips

Details correct at the time of publication.
For up-to-date information, visit stagecoachbus.com.

Reaction

Liberal Democrat councillors in some of the affected wards say the changes will have a significant impact on residents across the borough.

They highlighted the loss of multiple stops in Putnoe and Hillgrounds, and warned that some residents could face walks of up to 0.7 miles to reach the nearest service.

Cllr Sue Abood (Wootton and Kempston Rural) raised concerns about reduced access to healthcare and education.

“With the loss of the 53 and 53A route, Wootton and Kempston Rural residents will have to use the C1 bus,” she said.

“With this running even less frequently than the once-an-hour 53 did, this further denies those in Wootton and Kempston Rural a decent public transport system.

“With the need to go to North Wing for blood tests, this reduction in service will make an already difficult and lengthy journey even harder for those who don’t drive.

“Those travelling to Bedford College and back will struggle as all travellers will be crammed onto one bus rather than two. This is a shocking decision by Stagecoach with wider-reaching effects than they probably realise.”

Bedford Independent

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